minutemen | 6 ❀ Summer Citadel

6 ❀ Summer Citadel

Beach. Everyone has been working so hard lately so why not take a break and enjoy the beach? You can make sand castles, play in the water, and there are even umbrellas for those who'd rather just relax in the shade. There's a nice row of water melons ready to be smashed later in the day and when the sun goes down, that's when the sparklers come out.
Suffering. It's the hottest time of the year and the citadel doesn't have central air conditioning. The few air conditions that were installed have given up on life after being used so much and now, we really have to make do with what we can while the Konnosuke try to fix it. There's a limited number of fans, plenty of ice cream to go around, and the citadel should be built to circulate air, right? ... Right?!
Spooks. In Japan, summer is a time for horror. Gather around the camp fire and hear some spooky ghost stories or maybe head out into the woods just outside the citadel for a good ol' fashioned test of courage. It's all good, harmless fun! Of course, with so many spirits gathered in one place, what's to say a stray or curious outsider spirit won't join the mix...
Rain. Summer is also known for sudden and torrential downpours of rain. The clouds always seem to grown and darken suddenly and the next thing you know, it's raining sheets and the ground is shaking from thunder. Once it starts, it never seems to stop. Maybe you were caught out in the rain or maybe this is day 7 stuck inside.
Other! It's summer and there are tons of things to do. Go to the general store and stock up on ice cream, wake up in the middle of the night uncomfortable with heat, or run around screaming because cicadas are dying and flying at your face.

Oh, how admirable! I'm certain that will be a very useful skill.
Have you made anything yet?

Well, I'm almost finished making something, but it's slow coming.

[ He may be good in the kitchen, with with a tiny little needle... he's been poking his fingers quite a bit. ]

Good luck. I hope you will be satisfied with the results of your hard work and patience.

When I'm more confident, perhaps I can make something for you.

I would be honoured to receive something made by you.

Knowing you will soon become more confident, I look forward to it.

Is there anything specific you'd like me to try or would you rather a surprise?

Ah- That is very kind of you to offer. But I don't mind a surprise.

[He feels like he can trust Shokudaikiri's taste.]

I can't promise my surprises will be as good as Tsuru-san's though.

[He chuckles lowly, deciding to say aloud what he thought just a moment ago-]

I trust your good taste, Shokudaikiri-dono. It is perhaps for the best that there is only one who tries to surprise the way Tsurumaru-dono does.

[He tilts his head curiously, noting the relatively casual form of address.]

I did not realize that you know him well. Have you known him a long time?

In the past, it wasn't for long, but I remember him being with us in the home of my former master.

That is nice that your paths could cross in such a way, short though it may have been.

I'd like to be closer with a lot of our companions, but it's easier when you knew them a little.

[Tonbokiri perks up a little at that. He can understand wanting to get to know his comrades better.]

If you would like to chat with some others, you are most welcome to join us at the bar sometime. There are no regular members in particular, but a variety of people come through. You can often find us Three Spears, Jiroutachi and Tarotaichi-dono, and Fudou Yukimitsu-dono, at least.

I'm not sure I can hold my alcohol quite as well as some of you.

[ But... ]

it does sound rather fun though.

[ (Hahaha, Ichigo said the same thing.) ]

[Tonbokiri chuckles, his smile understanding but also bordering on exasperation.]

To be fair, nearly no one else can hold alcohol quite like those guys. It is good fun though.

[He sets his posture to convey his seriousness.]

You should be able to come and enjoy yourself, no matter how much you want to drink. If they press too much, I shall stop them.

If there was anyone who could keep them in line, I would definitely place (hasebe's) my money on you. It's hard to say no when you show as much determination as you do.

Eh? It's not as splendid as all that... They are just good comrades, who listen to what I ask of them. ...Most of the time.

[ He reaches out, patting Tonbokiri's knee a few times with a small smile on his face. ]

You don't give yourself enough credit.

Heh, I think it's just enough. Have you ever tried to tell Nihongo to do something?

[He chuckles and shakes his head.]

Anyway, thank you. And please do come by any time. Everyone will be pleased to further make your acquaintance.

[ A fair point. Mitsutada lets out a soft laughter of his own. ]

If you are really inviting me, I would be honored...

[Tonbokiri's expression falls in shock.]

D-Did I give the impression that I wasn't inviting you?

[He's worried-! He didn't mean that at all...!]

Of course, whenever you have the time, you are very welcome to come.

Would you mind if I brought company as well sometimes? I'm sure Tsuru-san and Kara-chan would enjoy themselves.

Kara-chan? ...As in, perhaps, Ookurikara-dono?

[For all the time he's known the sword, 'enjoy' did not come up much with him... (And that nickname-!) But through his uncertainty he smiles kindly.]

If you think so, by all means bring them. More will make for a merrier time, right?

[ Just hope he doesn't get that close with you, Tonbokiri, or you might find yourself being called Tonbo-chan. ]

I'll even make a treat for everyone that will go well with the drinks.

[ (How is this a bad thing? XD) ]

[He gives a hearty laugh.]

Then you will be absolutely welcome, by open arms and willing stomachs.

[He shakes his head, still grinning.]

You certainly know how to treat us well, Shokudaikiri-dono.

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